A World Cup berth and the A-League all-time scoring record: Giant season looms for Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren

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He only just snuck into the Socceroos squad in 2018 thanks to a late-charge into the final squad - but A-League star Jamie Maclaren is quietly confident of being part of  Qatar 2022.

The 29-year-old Melbourne City striker has netted three goals from the opening two games of the new season - but a fourth consecutive A-League golden boot is a target he is happy to put on the backburner as the World Cup looms. 

It could be a momentous year for McLaren who not only could achieve another golden boot and a World Cup berth, but he is closing in on top spot in the A-League's all-time scoring list.

His current tally is 123, well within striking distance of the record 142 goals scored by Besart Berisha across his spells at Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Western United. 

A pumped-up Jamie Maclaren prepares for Melbourne City's blockbuster derby against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night

'If I'm going to be selfish, I'd be thinking about Berisha's record. You've got to hold huge respect for him,' Maclaren said.

'A guy who was an absolute machine and to be sitting 19 goals behind him - not that I'm counting - is a nice feeling.'

Maclaren, who had earlier spells at Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar, won't catch former Socceroos legend Damian Mori, who scored 240 goals between the old National Soccer League and A-League.

Ex-Melbourne Victory striker Besart Berisha, currently holds the all-time goalscoring record for the A-League...but Maclaren isn't far behind

But the City attacker is just happy to be mentioned in the same breath as players like Mori, Bobby Despotovski, Rod Brown and John Kosmina. 

'These names are huge in Australian football and to even think that my name's anywhere near them is an honour,' he said.

Before he looks to reel in Berisha's record, however, he wants to book a spot on the plane to Qatar.

Maclaren scored seven goals for Australia in the qualifying stages of the World Cup, and also netted a vital penalty in the Socceroos heart-stopping penalty shootout win over Peru that ensured qualification.

So you'd think he's all but assured of nabbing himself a green and gold jersey, currently sitting on 18 caps and six goals for Australia.

It's been a long journey as a Socceroo for 18-cap Jamie Maclaren, who is hopeful his strong A-League form has booked him a ticket to Qatar for the World Cup

But after missing out on then-coach Bert van Marwijk's original squad for the 2018 World Cup before being a last-minute addition to the final 23, the veteran is understandably wary. 

'Last World Cup - you could write a book in my case,' he said of his journey to the 2018 tournament in Russia..

'But it's part of the journey, as a footballer you go through ups and downs and that was the best feeling ever, being selected in that final squad because of what I went through.

'I've felt more valued in this Socceroos environment under Graham Arnold because he's given me those chances.

'Me and Harry Souttar I think have scored the most goals in qualification and that's something I take pride in.

'Not every game I'm going to start, I understand that, but when I do play I need to make an impact,' said Maclaren.

Jamie Maclaren celebrates after scoring a goal for Melbourne City in their win over Western United in round one

Maclaren has experienced plenty of setbacks among his achievements, and is taking a fatalistic approach to his World Cup dreams.

'It's been a long journey. Four years of qualifying, you do the quarantines, I sat in a hotel when my team was playing in a grand final (in 2020-21),' he said.

'All those things, they add up and we've now got to the final point. All I can do is control and be in the box for the chances that come my way and if Arnie selects me then great.'

Maclaren will be hoping to continue he and the club's good form when they take on the Victory for what is set to be a blockbuster Melbourne derby on Saturday night.